Green Hydrogen Mission: New Standards for Ammonia and Methanol Production

India Notifies Green Ammonia and Green Methanol Standards to Boost National Green Hydrogen Mission​

New Delhi, March 7: The Government of India has announced new standards for green ammonia and green methanol, marking a key step toward accelerating the trade and development of green hydrogen derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The standards, notified on February 27, 2026 by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), define emission thresholds and eligibility conditions required for ammonia and methanol to be classified as “green”. These rules are expected to bring regulatory clarity for industries and investors involved in the emerging green fuels ecosystem.

National Green Hydrogen Mission Framework​

The National Green Hydrogen Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet on January 4, 2023, with an initial outlay of ₹19,744 crore. The mission aims to position India as a global hub for the production, utilization, and export of green hydrogen and its derivatives.

The introduction of standards for green ammonia and green methanol is intended to support this objective by establishing clear benchmarks for low-emission production of these hydrogen-based fuels.

Emission Threshold for Green Ammonia​

Under the newly notified Green Ammonia Standard for India, total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions associated with production must not exceed 0.38 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of ammonia (kg CO₂ eq/kg NH₃).

The emissions calculation covers the entire production chain, including:

• Green hydrogen production
• Ammonia synthesis
• Purification processes
• Compression
• On-site storage

The emission levels must be calculated as an average over the preceding 12-month period.

Emission Threshold for Green Methanol​

For methanol, the Green Methanol Standard for India sets a slightly higher threshold. Total non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions must remain within 0.44 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kg of methanol (kg CO₂ eq/kg CH₃OH).

The calculation includes emissions from:

• Green hydrogen production
• Methanol synthesis
• Purification processes
• On-site storage

Similar to ammonia, the emission average must be assessed over a 12-month period.

Carbon Dioxide Sources Allowed for Green Methanol​

The notification also specifies that carbon dioxide used in green methanol production can be sourced from:

• Biogenic sources
• Direct air capture
• Existing industrial sources

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has stated that the list of eligible carbon dioxide sources may be revised in the future. Any such changes will apply prospectively and will include appropriate grandfathering provisions.

Certification and Monitoring Framework​

The government has indicated that detailed methodologies for measurement, reporting, monitoring, on-site verification, and certification of green ammonia and green methanol will be issued separately by MNRE.

These guidelines will help ensure compliance with the newly defined standards.

Impact on Existing Tenders and Industry​

The notification clarifies that tenders, bids, or solicitations issued before the notification date will continue to follow the terms and conditions that were applicable at the time of issuance.

However, procuring entities may align such tenders with the new standards where feasible and with mutual consent of all parties.

According to the government, the standards will provide clarity to stakeholders involved in the development of green hydrogen derivatives. They are also expected to support decarbonization across sectors such as fertilizers, shipping, power generation, and heavy industry.

With the notification of these standards, India continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for green hydrogen and its derivatives under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.